Ayn Rand: The Russian Radical

It's refreshing to see someone address the gap in scholarly assessments of Rand's work. The author's thesis concerns Ayn Rands roots in Russian philosophy and the areas where she agreed with key thinkers that preceded her, often extending to a different conclusion. In particular, there are strong parallels between
her ideas and those of Nietzsche and Marx. Her dialectic approach also resembles Hegel.
Along the way, the author covers most of Rand's philosophy: the 4 keys, the roots in epistemology,
that existence is consciousness, and the practical application that is nearly unique to Rand.
He also covers her philosophical upbringing in Russia, reconstructing her probable teachers, mentors,
and courses as best as possible. Rand's characters show more are very similar in style to those of other
Russian writers in the way they embody extreme traits. Also regarding her philosophy, the author
exposes the resulting ethics, such as the idea that virtue without regard to context is fatal. In drawing the
comparison to Marx, he even shows the emphasis both placed on the use of architecture as illustrative (p248). Finally, he addresses the cult-like following the early objectivists achieved and the somewhat negative reflection cast on such otherwise independent thinkers. His treatment of Brandon is fair and consistent with his overall approach, distinguishing Brandon from Rand, but realizing that their thinking continued and has been extended subsequent to Rand. show less

In this revised edition the author presents an authoritative assessment of the background and development of the thought of Ayn Rand. More importantly he respects the importance of philosophy for Rand and in doing so he has produced a thorough and balanced presentation.

This book is brilliant. Sciabarra has managed to reverse engineer Objectivism and place it into its proper historical context.

Sometimes interesting, sometimes bizarre analysis of Ayn Rand's ideas.

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